
The Greek island of Rhodes is struggling under the weight of an ongoing migrant crisis that residents say has left their community on the brink. With more than 700 undocumented migrants overcrowding the island’s facilities, many locals are demanding government action, calling for urgent support to handle the overwhelming influx.
According to Manolis Androulakis, president of the South Dodecanese Police Officers Union, law enforcement has been stretched beyond capacity. “The situation is at a breaking point,” he stated, adding that inadequate resources have led to lengthy delays in transferring migrants from Rhodes to mainland Greece. Some transfers reportedly take up to 20 days, straining the local police force.
More than 135k illegal migrants have crossed the English Channel since 2018.
How did some of those people get to Britain? Perhaps their journey started here, on the Greek island of Rhodes.
I travelled to a migrant encampment on the island to find out more. pic.twitter.com/zqrd4CV8Zj
— JACK ANDERTON (@JACKGUYANDERTON) October 28, 2024
Rhodes Mayor Alexandros Koliadis raised similar concerns during a recent South Aegean Regional Council meeting, citing the lack of adequate staff within the police and port authorities. Daily migrant arrivals have further strained facilities, leaving residents to deal with overcrowding and the sight of makeshift camps across public spaces.
With limited access to proper sanitation and shelter, many migrants are forced to camp out in parks and sidewalks, creating an unsustainable situation for the community. Frustrated residents feel neglected by the government, with Androulakis stating, “It is not possible for us to shoulder the entire burden of immigration while others look on indifferently.”
‘We are at breaking point!’ — Rhodes suffers under weight of migrant crisis as locals demand action https://t.co/wzguC7u6WH via @RMXnews
— B Gallagher (@Gally66kg) October 25, 2024
Although plans were made to transfer 120 migrants to Piraeus this week, logistical challenges delayed the relocation, adding to residents’ frustrations. Locals are urging the government to take action and provide resources to relieve Rhodes of the excessive burden.
For many on Rhodes, the crisis has highlighted gaps in the nation’s immigration policy, leaving the island in need of immediate and substantial support.